🌤 Weather at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–58 °F | 48–65 °F | 35–59 °F | 31–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ketchikan 10N, 4 mi away, elevation 295 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Half-Mile Beach Park for Picnics and Sunsets, North of Ketchikan
Refuge Cove State Recreation Site is a 13-acre day-use park north of Ketchikan. It stretches half a mile between a sandy beach and Sunset Drive, and trails run its whole length. Along the way you find 9 picnic sites, a picnic shelter and fire-ring grills. Alaska State Parks calls it a frequent stop for local families who come for an evening picnic and the sunset views.
Look for the Plant Interpretation Trail: its 14 plant identification signs were made by Ketchikan elementary students from the Tongass School of Arts and Sciences. There is no campground here. For an overnight stay, Settlers Cove State Recreation Site is about 7 miles farther north.
Things to Do
- Picnicking: 9 picnic sites with fire-ring grills and a picnic shelter you can reserve online at reservealaskastateparks.com
- Beach walks: a sandy beach along the length of the park
- Hiking: trails running the half-mile length of the park, including the Plant Interpretation Trail
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks as an activity here
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mile 8.7 North Tongass Highway, via Sunset Drive, north of Ketchikan, Ketchikan Gateway Borough |
| Size | 13 acres |
| Type | Day use only, no camping |
| Facilities | 9 picnic sites, picnic shelter (reservable), fire-ring grills, toilets |
| Fees | No fee listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not listed as an ADA facility |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 55.4093, -131.7596 |
Getting There
From Ketchikan International Airport, take the airport ferry across the water to Ketchikan, turn left onto North Tongass Highway and drive north. At milepost 8.7, turn left onto Sunset Drive. Downtown Ketchikan is roughly 6 miles southeast as the crow flies.
Nearby State Parks
Totem Bight State Historical Park lies only about a mile west along the same shore (historic site access $5 per person as of October 2026). Settlers Cove State Recreation Site, about 7 miles north, has state park campsites ($20 per site per night as of October 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site?
No. Refuge Cove is a day-use site with picnic facilities; for camping, Settlers Cove State Recreation Site about 7 miles farther north has state park campsites.
Is there a fee at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site?
The Alaska State Parks fee schedule lists no fee for Refuge Cove as of October 2026; the picnic shelter can be reserved online at reservealaskastateparks.com.
How do you get to Refuge Cove from Ketchikan?
Drive north on North Tongass Highway and turn left onto Sunset Drive at milepost 8.7; from the airport, take the airport ferry across first.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Refuge Cove State Recreation Site; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Refuge Cove State Recreation Site
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
